Model Railroading Blog
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This page will provide you with a listing of all the newest pages, changes, additions, new pictures, and recent comments from other viewers so you can keep up to date. I will plan to add and/or review new techniques, magazine articles, equipment, references and anything else that I think will be helpful to you in your endeavor to build the best model railroad possible. Contributions from other model railroaders are encouraged. I want this to be your website as much as it is mine. Sharing your stories here is the key to its success.
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New and Updated Pages:
Aug 11, 2019
Model Railroad Software
Various types of model railroad software are available which may be helpful for developing actual or virtual layouts.
Jul 25, 2019
Building a Website
Describes the basic process of building a website for your model railroad club or to display your own train layout, and what's required to accomplish this.
Jul 21, 2019
Lionel Double Tower Floodlights
I am building a baseball stadium with lights. I recently purchased 2 Lionel Pug and Play Double Floodlight Towers (6-82013). I am confused on how to supply
May 01, 2019
Question
Hi, I purchased HP0587 (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Evemodel-New-1-87-Model-Train-ho-scale-diy-Universal-Train-Undercarriage-accessories-HP0587-model-building/32824012590.html) from aliexpress. Now, clueless how to fix it to engine chassis as the undercarriage does not have any screw/nut or slot to do this. Please help me on this if someone has got any idea/experience. mailto:ranjaymit@gmail.com
May 01, 2019
Blog- It
Blog-It: Use this page to send in a model train story, picture or event or anything else related to model railroading. It will appear as a blog enty within the next few days.
Aug 19, 2018
Wiring Tip
Mark sends in this wiring tip...
In the communications world, common practice is to home run everything to a punch block. Run wiring controls to a second block. Cross connect the two as needed. If you make a mistake wiring, fix it at the cross connect point. Works for me!------------------------------
Apr 08, 2018
Getting Started - An HO Layout with 2 Mainlines
One of my visitors asked about this recently. Clink on the link below and go to the bottom of the page to see my reply.
I would start with 2 regular HO train sets - ...
Continue reading "Getting Started - An HO Layout with 2 Mainlines"
Mar 03, 2018
Backdrops
A good source for homemade backdrops would be Bob Ross' "Joy of Painting" series, available for free (legally!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcnsr1R5Ge_fbTu5ajt8DQ------------------------------
Jan 20, 2018
Model Railroad Signals
This page was inaccessible for a while for some reason, but has now been restored. If you've been looking for information about setting up a signal system for your layout, here it is!
Jan 19, 2018
Lighting Effects Update
Woodland Scenic has developed an easy method of installing lights on your model railroad. See more about it here..Just Plug Lighting System - A newer easy method of installing lights almost anywhere on your layout.
***Click here for more info and ordering links on this page.
May 21, 2017
Vehicles from "Top Gear"
I have designed a number of vehicles from the hit BBC show Top Gear and have made them available for purchase on my Shapeways page (https://www.shapeways.com/shops/optimal-inceptions?section=Railroad+Scale+Models&s=0).
I believe your readers would find my models a unique addition to their railroad sets.
May 16, 2017
Questions from John in NY...
John writes in that he hasn't done anything related to model railroading for 30 years. Life does get in the way sometimes unfortunately.
Two questions..1. What to use for a train board. I think the best thing to use is 1/2 inch plywood supported by benchwork about 30-45 inches high depending on your preference of whether you want a bird's-eye point of view or a more horizontal point of view. On top of the plywood, I like to use sheets of extruded foam cut to fit the size of the plywood. You can add several layers of sheets, so that you can dig out valleys and rivers out of the foam. You then have to paint the foam a tan color and then add grass and other foliage. I have found the above method to be the best for me after building four fairly large layouts. There are many other ways to approach this however. Check out the Benchwork page on this site to learn more.
2. Should I use analog or DCC? I personally like DCC, because you can operate the trains individually, whereas with analog wiring, when you turn the power on, all the trains move – unless you have multiple blocked off sections. The wiring is more cumbersome with analog, but DCC is more expensive. I think DCC is much more realistic as far as operation of the railroad is concerned and it is easier for one person to operate several trains at one time.
This is just my opinion. There are many others who like analog better because they don't have to mess around putting decoders in all of their locomotives, or sending the locos off to have someone else do it for you. Learn more on the Wiring and DCC sections of this website.
Thanks for writing and good luck on your resurgent interest in model railroading. It's the greatest hobby in the world!
Nov 13, 2016
Using Atlas Selector and Controller with EZ track
Will the atlas selector#215 and controller #220 work on EZ track? Please Respond. I'm having a heck of a time trying to find something to wire up my switch turn outs....
[I'm not sure. I don't have any first hand experience with that, but I don't know why not. If anyone has done this before, send me an email at gjwarth@mac.com so I can add it here. - Ed]
Nov 13, 2016
Looking for an expert model railroad landscaper
i am looking for help from an expert model landscaper to build a desert landscape on a table 10x10 feet. i want to only build the landscape without the train tracks.Thank you for your help.
martinroth02@gmail.com
Jul 24, 2016
Send in Your Photos!
It has come to my attention that many of you have tried to send in photos, but they haven't been coming through. If you are one of those, please resubmit those photos or videos as an attachment to my direct email address: gjwarth@mac.com. If I haven't responded or posted them to the site within a week, that means I didn't get them. Please send a follow up email to me to let me know. Thanks for your patience. I do want this site to be interactive and to be able to easily show off your photos to the world and especially to other model railroaders, who, like myself, are always interested in what other people are doing.
May 04, 2016
Trees from jute twines
i Build trees from jute ropes/twines. have you tried that method? http://www.amazon.in/Trees-Jute-Twines-Prabal-Sharma-ebook/dp/B01E5XTHBK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1460537867&sr=1-1&keywords=model+train+tree
Dec 13, 2015
Christmas and Trains - Why do they go together?
Merry Christmas to All and a Happy New Year!
From www.BYMRR.com
--> Here is a great article about the history of toy trains and model railroading and why trains are so commonly associated with Christmas...
Continue reading "Christmas and Trains - Why do they go together?"
Nov 28, 2015
TRAX
If you are looking for a great track planning and design program that...
1-doesn't cost a fortune (It's free!),
2-can be used on a Mac, Windows PC, or Linux operating system,
3-is easy and fun to use and
4-tells you exactly what you need to buy after your track plan is completed,
Then check out the following website!...
Oct 18, 2015
Railroads in Wartime
The use of railroads in wartime has become a major advantage to those who manage them well. Military railroads can inspire great ideas for layouts and modeling projects.
Sep 07, 2015
Alpine Wonderland
This Alpine Wonderland, a model railroad layout designed and created by Alan Fisher, is an outstanding and inspirational work of art.
Aug 30, 2015
3D Printing
3D printing is a great way to create unique 3D models or parts for your miniature model railroad in any scale.
Aug 15, 2015
MY DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY MODELS
Since my childhood I have always been really close to the railway operating environment because my grandfathers used to work in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Apr 26, 2015
Realistic Scenery from Aluminum Flashing!
I have developed a new approach to model railway scenery. Strong, light, pliable, realistic in appearance, inexpensive, transportable and easy. Components
Continue reading "Realistic Scenery from Aluminum Flashing!"
Apr 26, 2015
OBB Wildbach HO
My name is Anthony. I live in Australia. I first became interested in Model Trains when i received a layout made by my Father for Xmas when I was 7 years
Mar 09, 2015
Easily made pine trees
See youtube how i make the big number of fast made nice pine trees. http://youtu.be/-xu9OoMBTyI After some practice i make about 10 in an hour, costing
Mar 09, 2015
Roger from Coastmans
Hello folks! I've made conifer trees using several methods, and I believe a multitude of methods are important toward the development of the total forest.
Mar 09, 2015
Polyfil and puffball trees
For distant puffball trees, I use the time-honored technique of making balls out of polyfil fiber, and then add ground foam (different sizes and colors)
Oct 29, 2013
Northern Hills Railway Society
The Northern Hills Railway Society, located on Main Street in Deadwood, South Dakota, has just added a new window display to its attraction. The display
Sep 14, 2013
Mymodeltrain
This is my newly built rail in the backyard. Initially, I have zero knowledge about model trains. I built this rail in 1 month after calling dealers asking
Sep 14, 2013
Your First Model Railroad: How to Start and Finish It on a Budget
Building your first model railroad layout can be intimidating. Open any model railroading magazine and you will see page after page of pictures of huge,
Continue reading " Your First Model Railroad: How to Start and Finish It on a Budget "
Mar 21, 2013
Model Railroad Club: How to Get Started
Want to start your own model railroad club? Here are some tips.
Jan 19, 2013
Hossman
About 10 years ago I bought a few Lionel trains that were packed away in a wooden crate.Since I`ve been a kid I always loved model railroads and having
Jan 13, 2013
A "Hybrid" Structure
I was in the process of looking for interesting rail yard buildings to add to the collection, and at the same time I have been practicing my skills with
Jan 13, 2013
Fast Hand
Displaying my trolley layout at Trainfest in Milwaukee, WI. As I was talking to a father with his son in his arms. The boy faster than lighting grabbed
Dec 30, 2012
Model Railroad Layout: Overview
Overview of how to build a model railroad layout - step by step.
Jul 16, 2012
Model Railroad Yard
This page contains all the ins and outs about building a basic model railroad yard for your train layout.
Jun 28, 2012
We've Gone Mobile!
You can now access Building Your Model Railroad on your Android, iPhone, Blackberry or Windows Phone in a format designed especially for mobile devices. Think of the possibilities! You can read all about model railroading and plan your next layout from anywhere.
Just type in www.bymrr.com into the browser on your smartphone and you will automatically be taken to the mobile version of this site containing all the same great content. Then save the site to your home screen so the app will be easy to access.
Jun 09, 2012
Where To Find Great Signs for Buildings and Billboards
Hi-So far, I have found six good sources of Free signs for the various scales for modelers.
1) gatewaynmra.org-click on online Model Railroad Library, then click on Vintage Color Signs
2) ON30center.com-click General Interest then click on Sign Material.
3) Lauriegreensweb.com-click on Dioramas, then Great Signs near the top of page
4) oldwestsigns.com
5) collectorsweekly.com click on signs and
6) vintageadvertisingsigns.com
Arnold Davis
Jun 03, 2012
The Many Life Skills Model Railroading Can Teach
While browsing around in the model railroading community on forums and sites like Twitter I have noticed many adult males ask a particular question. Is
Continue reading "The Many Life Skills Model Railroading Can Teach"
Jun 02, 2012
Making trees
I have been looking around but the trees are very expensive if you buy them in a pack.I started taking wire that the florist use and with a drill made
May 01, 2012
Railroad History
Railroad Parts: History for Kids - This is a great web page (for "kids" of all ages) with lots of interesting and fun links to other pages explaining the history of railroading, steam engines, locomotives, engineers, and stories about the thousands of wayfaring teens that rode the rails during the Great Depression. You don't want to miss this!
Apr 17, 2012
National Train Day!!
Calling all train fans! Now in its 5th year, National Train Day is back May 12th to celebrate train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people with events across America. This year, festivities will highlight the unique perspective passengers enjoy as they take in the vastness and beauty of the American landscape, from cities big and small, to country vistas and everything in between, when traveling by rail.
As part of National Train Day, each major market event features live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids' activities, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, freight and commuter trains, and notable private railroad cars.
National Train Day will also bring the "rail way" to life for attendees, and those participating online and through social media. To join in the celebration, passengers inspired by their train travel experience are encouraged to submit photos, video and stories at NationalTrainDay.com for a chance to win prizes.
For more information about National Train Day events, visit NationalTrainDay.com, facebook.com/NationalTrainDay or @natltrainday.
Feb 26, 2012
Horace and William Creek Railroad
Photos from Dave Coble's Horace and William Creek Railroad.
Jan 06, 2012
Model Railroad Stories
We all have model railroad stories we could tell - some funny, some not-so-funny, but maybe educational. If you have a story to tell about your model railroad experience, let us know about it here.
Dec 04, 2011
Technique for Painting Locomotives and/or Rolling Stock, from John Staehle
Try this technique for painting locomotives or rolling stock:
1. First, using a green scouring pad, lightly scratch the surface of the model you wish to paint, this roughs up the surface without damaging details. (I use this for all my models.)
2. Using an airbrush acrylic paint mix that is thinned with Blue tint windshield wiper fluid will assure a fine looking finish. Mix to about 60% thinner/40% acrylic paint.
3. Airbrush the model with thin layers of paint at about 25psi and let each layer dry. The alcohol in the wiper fluid will cause the paint to dry almost as fast as you apply it. This is what you want to have happen. Eliminating streaking and runny paint will have the desired results with practice.
4. The final step for setting and hardening of the paint can be done with a hand held hairdryer set on LOW heat. Gently go back and forth over the entire model with the hairdryer as this acts like a the poor man's paint drying booth.
5. A note about acrylic craft paints: Although some readers might want to use pre-mixed hobby paints, the paints I am referring to are found in the craft section of many hobby related stores. With color charts to refer to, one can replicate RR colors as well as military colors as in my case. Acrylic craft paints were first used in ceramics and wood projects and I found them to work on all styrene plastics as well. I would suggest that one purchase several colors and try them as I described. Thinned with water, black makes a great base for weathering. They all mix with various other acrylic based products to make really great scenery as well.
Have fun!
John
Nov 30, 2011
A new beginning
A new start with photos to share within the new hobby barn. The great thing about starting over is that one can rebuild with what you have as I am in stages
Nov 16, 2011
I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself!
Michael Buzzeo wrote in this comment:
"This is the most user-friendly, informative site on model railroading I have ever seen. It offers clear, concise and to-the-point instructions of the hobby. Once you stop here, there will be no reason to go anywhere else!!!"
[Thanks, Mike. I really appreciate it!-GJW] See more comments here!
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